Tests and Procedures

Carbon Dioxide (Blood)

Does this test have other names?

What is this test?

This test measures how much carbon dioxide is in your blood.

When you digest food, your body makes carbon dioxide as a waste product in the form of gas. Your blood carries this gas to your lungs. You exhale it and breathe in oxygen thousands of times a day. Carbon dioxide in your blood usually causes no problems. But if you have far too much or too little of it, you may have a disease or a health emergency.

Most of the carbon dioxide in your body is in the form of bicarbonate. This is made by your kidneys. Bicarbonate is used to keep the acids and bases in your blood in balance.

The test measures all types of carbon dioxide in your blood: bicarbonate, carbonic acid, and dissolved CO2. Because of this, it gives only an estimate of the amount of bicarbonate.

Why do I need this test?

You may need this test if you are having trouble breathing, especially if you feel confused and disoriented.

You may also need this test if your health care provider thinks you have a lung, liver, or digestive disease. This is because your body uses carbon dioxide to keep a healthy balance of acid-base (pH) and electrolytes. These diseases are linked to changes in levels of bicarbonate in the blood.

You may also have this test if your provider wants to check the progress of a disease linked to blood bicarbonate levels. This may be Cushing syndrome or kidney disease. You may also have this test to look at any side effects of medicines like metformin that may cause acidosis.

What other tests might I have along with this test?

Your health care provider may also order an electrolyte panel. This measures your sodium, potassium, and chloride levels.

What do my test results mean?

Many things may affect your lab test results. These include the method each lab uses to do the test. Even if your test results are different from the normal value, you may not have a problem. To learn what the results mean for you, talk with your health care provider.

Results are given in millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Normal values in adults are 22 to 29 mmol/L.

Higher levels of carbon dioxide may mean you have:

Metabolic alkalosis, or too much bicarbonate in your blood

Cushing syndrome

Hyperaldosteronism, an adrenal gland problem

Kidney failure

Lower levels of carbon dioxide may mean you have:

Metabolic acidosis, or your blood is too acidic

Addison disease, an adrenal gland problem

Ketoacidosis. This is a complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Lactic acidosis

How is this test done?

The test requires a blood sample, which is drawn through a needle from a vein in your arm.

Does this test pose any risks?

Taking a blood sample with a needle carries risks that include bleeding, infection, bruising, or feeling dizzy. When the needle pricks your arm, you may feel a slight stinging sensation or pain. Afterward, the site may be slightly sore.

What might affect my test results?

Certain medicines can affect your results.

How do I get ready for this test?

You don't need to prepare for this test. But be sure your health care provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illicit drugs you may use.